Microplastics found in 99% of seafood, with textiles biggest source

Microplastics contamination is widespread in seafood sampled in a recent study, adding to evidence of their ubiquity in the food system and the growing threat to human health.

- Tom Perkins

The peer-reviewed study detected microplastics in 99%, or 180 out of 182, samples either bought in store or from a fishing boat in Oregon. The highest levels were found in shrimp.

Researchers also determined 80% of the microplastics detected were fibres from textiles.

The findings highlighted a serious problem with plastic use at its current scale, said Elise Granek, a Portland State University microplastics researcher and study co-author. "As long as we're using plastic as a major component in our daily lives, then we're going to see it in our food, too."